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Statement by Ambassador Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council
on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
21 April 2015
Mr. President,
I would like to pay tribute to His Excellency Mr. Nasser Judeh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for convening this meeting of vital importance. I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his briefing.
1. Middle East Peace Process
Mr. President,
Japan notes with concern that the Middle East Peace Process has fallen into a vicious circle of mistrust. While negotiations have stalled, the sequence of violence and provocative rhetoric has only deepened this rift. It is evident that this situation is not sustainable. As the international community has manifested time and time again, a just, durable and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine based on a two-state solution is urgently needed.
The window of opportunity is narrowing. Developments on the ground, including illegal settlement activities by Israel and violence from both sides, are making it difficult to resume talks, let alone reach an agreement. An environment conducive to the resumption of talks must be recreated.
Accordingly, Japan calls on the new Israeli administration to stand by its commitment to a two-state solution, both in words and deeds. We reiterate our call to completely cease settlement activities, which are illegal under international law and undermine the perspective for a two-state solution. Likewise, the withholding of tax revenues, contrary to the Paris Protocol, has negatively affected the stability of Palestinian institutions. In this regard, Japan welcomes the announcement that an agreement has been reached for the resumption of tax revenue transfers. We call on both parties to refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine efforts for the resumption of peace negotiations. To this end, Prime Minister Abe of Japan visited Israel and Palestine in January and called directly on Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas for the resumption of peace negotiations.
Mr. President,
Japan values the critical role that the United States and the Quartet have played in facilitating the peace process negotiations. Nonetheless, in light of the current impasse, it is likewise evident that the international community should also contribute to nurturing an environment that is conducive to negotiations.
Japan believes that a multilateral approach that calls on constructive contributions from countries with the will and capacity to exert positive influence may be propitious to advancing the peace process. As one of the principal donors to the region with strong ties to both sides, Japan stands ready to assume such a role. Moreover, as my delegation stated at the previous open debate, we believe that the Security Council can also play a constructive role, as appropriate and when necessary.
Mr. President,
Japan will continue to carry out its distinctive support from a mid to long term perspective. We are convinced that fostering mutual trust and creating a sustainable Palestinian economy will facilitate negotiations and underpin the viability of a two-state solution. To this end, in January, Prime Minister Abe announced 100 million dollars in aid, which was all disbursed within three months. This brings Japan’s assistance to Palestine and the peace process to over 1.6 billion dollars since 1993.
Through ongoing projects such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative” and the “Conference on the Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)”, Japan remains resolute in helping lay the groundwork towards the realization of two states living side by side in peace and security. Japan believes that the day will come in the near future, when we can recognize Palestine as a state, in accordance with a two-state solution through negotiations.
2. The Situation in Syria
Mr. President,
The so-called ISIL poses a threat not only to the Middle East but to the international order at-large. Early this year, in addition to the innumerous innocent victims of the heinous acts of terror by ISIL, two Japanese citizens were killed by ISIL. The Japanese Government, along with the international community, reiterates its condemnation of such acts and shall never give in to terrorism.
Multi-faceted and long term efforts are needed to combat the scourge of terrorism. Japan will steadfastly fulfill its responsibility in the international community within its capacity. To this end, Prime Minister Abe has announced and disbursed 200 million dollars in aid to the neighboring countries of Syria with the aim of creating societies resilient to the allures of extremism.
Mr. President,
We note with concern the severe humanitarian situation in Syria and its neighboring countries. Japan strongly condemns the assault on the Yarmouk refugee camp by ISIL and other extremists. We call on all parties, including the Syrian Government, to end hostilities and secure access for humanitarian assistance and safe passage.
At the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait on 31 March, Japan pledged approximately 509 million dollars in aid. Japan’s aid since the onset of the Syrian crisis now totals approximately 935 million dollars. This is but a part of our solidarity with the refugees and citizens affected by the ongoing crisis.
Mr. President,
While important, no amount of aid can substitute progress towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis. From this perspective, Japan continues to support the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, towards a political solution based on the Geneva Communiqué. We call on all countries to contribute constructively to the Special Envoy’s efforts. Japan stands ready to contribute towards the resolution of the Syrian Crisis, in both the political and humanitarian tracks.
3. The Situation in Yemen
Mr. President,
Japan is gravely concerned with the recent deterioration of the situation in Yemen. In light of such circumstances, Saudi Arabia and other countries have conducted airstrikes against Houthis’ installations upon the request made by President Hadi who legitimately represents the Government of Yemen. Japan has been consistent in supporting the efforts made by the GCC states along with the UN towards the resumption of a comprehensive political transition process in which all Yemeni political parties participate.
Last week, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2216, which called for all Yemeni parties to refrain from further unilateral actions that could undermine the political transition. It also called for the resumption of the political transition and imposed consequences on the spoilers.
Japan hopes that efforts by the international community and regional states will bear fruit and lead to the de-escalation of the current situation. Japan stands ready to work with the international community for the peaceful resumption of the UN-led political transition process. In light of this, Japan looks to extend support in areas such as humanitarian aid and human resource development, taking due account of the situation on the ground.
4. Closing
Mr. President,
Japan is conscious of the unique and constructive role it can play in assisting countries of the region achieve peace and prosperity. In light of the difficult situation in the Middle East, Japan stands ready, more than ever, to continue our cooperation with the United Nations and the international community in this regard.
I thank you, Mr. President.
